Agreement strengthens partnership and will enhance healthcare across southwest Wisconsin

Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville and SSM Health Care of Wisconsin have signed an expanded affiliation agreement that provides SSMHC/WI with a minority interest in Upland Hills Health.

The agreement expands the current relationship between the two organizations, which has been in place since 1987, and allows them to work closer together to enhance health care across southern Wisconsin. Under the agreement, SSMHC/WI, the parent company of St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, and St. Mary’s new Janesville hospital, will have a 17 percent investment in Upland Hills Health.

The hospital will remain under local control with no changes to staffing or operations. The volunteer board of directors will continue to consist of nine community members – seven from Upland Hills Health and two from SSMHC/WI.

“SSM Health Care is truly one of the top health systems in the country,” said Phyllis Fritsch, Upland Hills Health administrator. “Our expanded affiliation ensures Upland Hills Health will be able to meet and exceed our community’s needs for years to come.”

“We’re proud to be a part of the Dodgeville area and to partner with such an outstanding group of caregivers,” said Steve Barney, interim regional president/chief executive officer of SSMHC/WI. “At SSM, we always say health care is best administered on the local level and today’s announcement is an assurance to the community that exceptional health care services will continue.”

Fritsch said Upland Hills Health will continue its mission to serve all people in the community, which includes continuing to accept most area insurance plans.

For answers to questions frequently asked about the strengthened agreement between Upland Hills Health and SSM Health Care of Wisconsin, please click here.